Philadelphia : Coming Soon

Coming Soon: 500°, Shank's

BuzzEditor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:23:00 GMT

Love a good sequel? Here are two upcoming spots to look out for:

Rouge, the Rittenhouse Square bistro known for its burgers, is branching out with a nearby stand called 500° at 15th and Sansom Streets; it’s scheduled for a late-winter or early-spring opening.

Shank’s Original plans to open a South Philly location at Pier 40 on Columbus Boulevard in mid-December.

Beccofino and Ulysses Voyage Approach

BuzzEditor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:57:00 GMT

Beccofino is the name of a farmhouse-style Italian under construction in Blue Bell's Village Square shopping center. It's to be run by the same management as Moonstruck in Northeast Philly, who plan to have it open by February 2010 (722 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell).

Meanwhile, Los Angeles’ Greek restaurant Ulysses Voyage expects to open a Washington Square West outpost this winter at 1221-23 Locust St.

Fall Preview

BuzzEditor — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:05:00 GMT

Photo: Micky

With fall almost here, it's time to look forward to the new restaurants soon to hit the City of Brotherly Love:

Agiato: Joseph Scarpone (Northern Liberties' late Sovalo) is back with a paninoteca/wine bar offering small plates, pressed sandwiches and salads, plus housemade mozzarella and breads, aiming to open mid-fall in Manayunk (4359 Main St.).

Amuse: This new French brasserie concept is aiming to open in Le Méridien Philadelphia in November (1421 Arch St.).

Con Murphy's: For their Irish gastropub, the founders of Tír na nÓg are looking at a late-September opening in the Windsor, where the offerings will include 18 beers on tap, a large selection of imported scotches and weekend brunch (126 N. 17th St.).

MidAtlantic: Fresh from closing Gayle on September 4, chef-owner Daniel Stern will open this upscale taproom in the Science Center sometime next season (3711 Market St.).

Nonna's: West Chester’s Trattoria Alberto will reopen mid-September as another Italian courtesy of Marisa and Sean Powell of the nearby Pietro’s Prime (116 E. Gay St.).

R2L: Daniel Stern's other post-Gayle project is moving his University City New American Rae into the 37th floor of Two Liberty Place, where it will change names if not cuisine (2 Liberty Pl.).

Rubb BBQ: Lacroix at the Rittenhouse alum Matt Levin hopes to open what he describes as a “punk-rock BBQ joint” in Manayunk this fall (4445 Main St.).

Sampan: Michael Schulson, chef-owner of Atlantic City’s Izakaya and host of Ultimate Cake Off on TLC, is hoping to open his high-end Pan-Asian in Washington Square West this November (122 S. 13th St.).

Sang Kee Peking Duck House: The Chinese noodle shop mini-chain has chosen the Sheraton University City Hotel for its third outpost, due later this fall (36th and Chestnut Sts.).

Square 1682: This New American in the Hotel Palomar is scheduled to open in late October (17th and Sansom Sts.).

Stella Pizza: Stephen Starr is looking to Society Hill for his new upscale corner parlor offering Italian nibbles and charcuterie, opening mid- to late-fall (Second and Lombard Sts.).

Zavino: Chef Steve Gonzalez is behind this tiny pizza-and-wine bar hitting Washington Square West in October (112 South 13th St.).

Coming Soon: Avenida and Landmark

BuzzEditor — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:09:00 GMT

Husband-and-wife chef team Edgar and Kim Katz Alvarez, who met at the late Striped Bass, plan to open Avenida in September. An affordable (everything under $20), neighborhood-friendly Latin, the newcomer will land in the old Cresheim Cottage Cafe space at 7402 Germantown Avenue.

Sports bar Landmark Americana is looking at a winter opening for its outpost inside Drexel University's new recreation center at 3333 Market Street.

Stem to Stern

BuzzEditor — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:06:00 GMT

It's looking like a busy year for Gayle chef Daniel Stern. Not only is he moving his University City New American Rae to the 37th floor of Two Liberty Plaza (where it will change names and become R2L), he's also preparing to open MidAtlantic, an upscale restaurant and taproom, this fall in the Science Center (3711 Market St.).

Cuckoo for Cocktails?

BuzzEditor — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:11:00 GMT

Hold onto your hats: New York Magazine’s Grub Street blog confirms that David Kaplan, the man behind NYC's high-end drink den Death & Co, is at work on a project for Philly. No specific address has been announced, but it’s expected somewhere in the Rittenhouse Square area. Swizzle sticks at the ready…

Audrey Two on the Way

BuzzEditor — Tue, 05 May 2009 19:30:00 GMT

The Sansom Street surplus just keeps growing, with two new openings slated for the corner of 13th Street in Washington Square West. Audrey Taichman is planning to open a second branch of her Med BYO, Audrey Claire, on the corner, while Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran (Lolita, Bindi) are looking to open a Med with a liquor license next door. Both projects are penciled in for early fall.

Update: We're now hearing that plans have fallen through for the second Audrey branch.

Sansom Street Surplus

BuzzEditor — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:17:00 GMT

Village Whiskey, a neighborhood bar serving pub food plus an enviable selection of whiskey and cocktails, will be the next eatery from chef Jose Garces (Amada, Chifa, Distrito, Tinto). It’s due in June at 20th and Sansom Streets, next to Tinto, in Rittenhouse Square. Down the street at 2025 Sansom Street, an American called Noble is in the works for late April or early May. Lastly, construction at 1516 Sansom Street proceeds on the Oyster House, formerly Sansom Street Oyster House, due to emerge from its shell by the end of May.

Four Restaurants and a Steakhouse

BuzzEditor — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:49:00 GMT

The Piazza, a four-building, apartment-retail complex near Second Street and Girard Avenue in Northern Liberties, is getting four new eateries. The first two, due in early May, are Darling’s, which is a diner, and Vino, an Italian wine bar and small-plater.

This summer or fall, the crew from Mikado/Thai Pepper in Ardmore, Flavor in Wayne, Azie in Media and Teikoku in Newtown Square is planning to open Parker’s Prime, an American steakhouse at 4755 West Chester Pike (in the former Roux 3 space).

Make Way for Kong

BuzzEditor — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:49:00 GMT

Michael O’Halloran of Bistro 7 is prepping for a May-ish opening of Kong, a Chinese comfort fooder inspired by the outdoor restaurants of Hong Kong, located in Northern Liberties’ former Sovalo space (702 N. Second St). In Fort Washington, MaGerks Pub & Grill, which has two locations in Maryland, will be the new occupant of the landmark Bent Elbo Tavern; renovations should be finished by September (582 S Bethlehem Pike).

The New Mantra is Amalfi

BuzzEditor — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 23:38:00 GMT

Pan-Asian is "overdone around Rittenhouse" these days, so restaurateur Albert Paris is switching things up at his Rittenhouse Pan-Asian Mantra. The restaurant will serve its last meal on Saturday, February 7th, and then undergo a quick makeover. By next Wednesday, the 11th, the space will reopen with the same owners but with new china, an Italian concept, and a new name: Bar Amalfi.

Check out a draft menu for Bar Amalfi after the jump.

Bar Amalfi

Appetizers

Mussels Cinzano
Roast garlic sweet vermouth tomato leeks olive oil parsley $9

Calamari Fritti
Cut fresh lightly breaded green beans red onions rosemary aioli $10

Homemade Skillet Fried Mozzarella
Fresh Mozzarella tomato caper vinaigrette $8

Pulled Short rib Ravioli
Ricotta Ravioli short rib Barolo Ragu Onion Raisin Jam $11

Eggplant Rollantini
Roast eggplant goat cheese Parmesan mozzarella marinara $8

Tuna Tartar Amalfitana
Fresh cut tuna bruschetta toast tomato basil onion cruda $10

Honey Balsamic Suckling Ribs
Slow roasted and grilled with 20yr balsamic glaze $9

Chicken & Tortellini en Brodo
Light broth chicken tortellini pasta carrots escarole $6

Grey Goose Shrimp Cocktail
Cool poached King Shrimp vodka lime cocktail Sauce $12

Salads

Italian Green Salad
Arugula Radicchio Romaine Escarole tomato white balsamic & evoo $6

Bar Amalfi Chopped Salad
Italian greens peppers sharp provolone salami tomato chick peas red onion $9

The Caesar Salad
Crisp Romain Hearts garlic croutons classic dressing $7

Roast Pepper & Mozzarella Caprese Salad
Fresh Mozzarella Black Olive Onion Caper basil Olive Oil $9

Warm Chicken Cutlet Salad
Arugula parmesan tomato onion olive toss honeyed balsamic $10

Mediterranean Seafood Salad
Mussels, shrimp, tuna, calamari, crab, basil onion olive oil grilled lemon $14

Venetian Poached Salmon Salad
Pickled Onion caper Romaine lettuce white balsamic $10

Pasta

Neapolitan Spaghetti and Meatballs
Homemade meatballs gravy and shaved pecorino cheese $13

Rigatoni with Shortrib Bolognese
Crimini mushrooms Chianti tomato sauce $17

Tortellini a la Vodka
Prosciutto sun dried tomato red onion vodka garlic cream $15

House made Goat Cheese Gnocchi
Light dumplings red gravy tomato cruda mozzarella basil $16

Cavatelli Sweet Sausage & Escarole
Smashed chic peas pepper flakes extra virgin olive oil $14

Classic Linguini & Clams
Chopped clams broth orevieto garlic extra virgin olive oil herbs $16

Lobster Ravioli with King Shrimp
Green beans little red tomatoes basil extra virgin olive oil $19

Calabrese Seafood Risotto
Seared shrimp crab mussels calamari Rosa sauce $21

Specialties

Sausage & Polenta
Italian fennel sausage peppers & polenta $12

Eggplant or Chicken Parmgiana
Lightly breaded sautéed crisp marinara mozzarella Parmesan spaghetti $13

Chicken Scallopine a la Marsalla
Sauteed Marinated Chicken Mushrooms rosemary Linguini $15

Roman Roast Tuna Mignon
Seared & sliced with caper raisin crispy Ravioli $16

Herb Grilled Salmon Capri
Sauce Puttanesca garlic green beans pignoli nuts $16

Braised Beef Brasato
Tender Brisket vinegar peppers on polenta $18

Orange Honey Glazed Pork Chops
Fire grilled bruschetta arugula salad $17

Desserts

Chocolate Raisin Bread Pudding
Served warm with Frangelico cream $6

Strawberry Tiramisu Martini
Whipped cream mascarpone ladyfingers fresh strawberry’s $6

Sophia’s Cheesecake Brulee
Creamy cheesecake burnt sugar Orange Sauce $6

Amalfi Homemade Cannoli
Crispy pastry shell with Sicilian Cream $5

Chestnut Street Blooming

BuzzEditor — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:30:00 GMT

Early next month, Chestnut Street gets not one but two high-profile restaurant openings. First is the much-delayed chopshop Union Trust (which first appeared on our radar in 2007). Inside the former Kellmer Jewelers building at 717 Chestnut, the new restaurant boasts 48-ft. ceilings and original marble flooring, and plans to open to the public on February 9th (215-925-6000). Meanwhile, Jose Garces (Amada, Tinto) aims to debut his Peruvian-Cantonese property, Chifa, across a parking lot from Union Trust at 707 Chestnut the next day (215-925-5555).

New Eats for the New Year

BuzzEditor — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:49:00 GMT

Times may be tough, but you wouldn’t know it from the barrage of restaurants slated to open in the next few months.

Blue Angel: Come March, Stephen Starr plans to revive his casual French in the same storefront the original occupied until 2003 (706 Chestnut St.).

Chifa and Village Whiskey: The ubiquitous Jose Garces (Amada, Distrito and Tinto) has two new restaurants in the works: the Peruvian-Chinese blend Chifa, expected by February (707 Chestnut St.), and Village Whiskey, a casual bar/restaurant set to sidle up next to Tinto later this year (20th and Sansom St.).

Doghouse Gourmet Burgers and Fries and Firecreek Restaurant + Bar: Jose Garces isn't the only one juggling two openings. Tom Deignan and Kevin Silverang of 333 Belrose are working on a March debut for their inexpensive burger concept in Downington (24 East Lancaster Ave.; www.doghouseburgers.com). But first the duo plan to launch a midrange steakhouse two doors down by the end of February (20 East Lancaster Ave.; www.firecreek-restaurant.com).

Du Jour Cafe & Market: Expect a fourth branch to open on Market Street in Commerce Square this spring.

Ladder 15: Early March will see the opening of this upscale gastropub located in a historic firehouse. Mike Stollenwerk of highly rated South Philly seafooder Little Fish is said to be designing the menu (1528 Sansom St.).

Max Brenner: The chocolate-inspired chain will open next to Butcher & Singer in Center City by late spring or early summer (212 S. 15th St.).

S&H: South Street residents can expect this BYO Turkish kebab place to open in the old Overtures space by the end of the month (609-611 E. Passyunk Ave.).

Saute: This French BYO from Alma de Cuba vet Nicholas J. Cassidy is shooting for a late January opening (775 S. Front St.).

Smokin' Betty's: Susan Schlisman, who owns Devil's Alley near Rittenhouse Square, is expected to open her barbecue-centric haunt in February (116 S. 11th St.).

Union Trust: Center City's much delayed steakhouse is hoping for an early February opening. Fingers crossed (717 Chestnut St).

Chefs Moving On

BuzzEditor — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:03:00 GMT

Pierre Calmels, who in November left as chef de cuisine at Le Bec-Fin, is working on a February opening for Bibou, a smallish, French BYO at 1009 S. Eighth St. in the Italian Market, where Pif used to be. Calmels' wife, Charlotte, will work the front of the house.

John Mims, who left Carmine's and Les Bons Temps rather suddenly last summer, has surfaced in Wayne. In the coming week he expects to turn Freehouse into Mims Food & Drink.

Coming Soon: Del Frisco's, Union Trust

BuzzEditor — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:48:00 GMT

An opening date has been set for the Center City branch of Del Frisco's Double Eagle steakhouse on 15th and Chestnut Streets – it will begin serving its first steaks on November 25th. Meanwhile, an early February opening has been assigned to Union Trust, another ginormous meatery, which is landing at 717 Chestnut Street.